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Traveling in Germany

The city of Aachen is known as the royal city, not only because over 30 German kings and 12 queens were crowned here, but also it was here that the famous Charlemagne was born. He built a magnificent palace and a beautiful cathedral in the city.

​In addition to its rich two-thousand years of history, the city attracts visitors with its mineral springs and healing waters. Hence the city’s second nickname is “The Royal Spa”. The city is a great place for a spa weekend, even if it costs you a 2 and a half hours flight from Sofia to Dortmund or Düsseldorf. Aachen has a common airport with the nearby Dutch city of Maastricht, but there are significantly fewer international flights.

The historic center of Aachen can easily be explored on foot, as almost all of it is a pedestrian zone. The streets here are filled with numerous shops that make Aachen an excellent place for shopping.

The sights are also numerous. Especially beautiful is the majestic cathedral erected by Charlemagne, who was buried here in 814. It is believed that this is the oldest cathedral in Northern Europe and therefore it is the first German building included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It was here that all German kings were crowned in the period from 936 to 1531. The cathedral still holds many treasures from the Middle Ages,  among which is the indisputable masterpiece of Charlemagne’s throne. The bell tower has also preserved its authentic appearance and consists of 8 bells hung on a wooden frame.

Very close to the cathedral, Charlemagne’s palace is located. 32 German kings celebrated their coronation here. Over the years, the building received lavish Baroque decoration, including statues of 31 German kings placed on the outside facade. The building is a real masterpiece and it is difficult to take your eyes off it. Many restaurants situated throughout the square distract passers-by with tempting dishes and aromas. We recommend you to try one of them, and you’ll enjoy the taste and view.

“Nach dem Essen sollst Du ruhen oder 1000 Schritte tun.” (After a meal, rest or take a thousand steps) – this is a famous German proverb, and when you are in Germany, do as the Germans. From the market square where the town hall is situated, you can descend to the other symbol of the city Elisenbrunnen (the fountains of Elise). Erected in 1827, it represents Aachen’s long traditions as a spa with healing mineral baths. The fountains of Elise consists of lots of small fountains with drinking water surrounded by a neoclassical building with multiple colonies. On the walls there are names of many famous people who have visited the city.

A few steps from Elisenbrunnen is the lavish theater building, and on the other side of the fountains begins a beautiful green park.

There are many interesting museums in Aachen, but as we didn’t have much time here, we went to see Dreiländerpunkt (a place where 3 borders cross) in the outskirts of Aachen. An interesting stone is erected here, around which the borders of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium meet, and everyone can easily cross. It remind me of another place that was not so easy and free to cross – the Golden Triangle in Thailand,  where the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand crossed. The European triangle was not golden, but very green. It has a huge green park and many attractions. Particularly interesting is the Dreiländerpunkt tower, which can be reached by 181 steps (or for the lazier there is an elevator), and on the top there is a glass platform called the Skywalk. From here there is a magnificent view of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The best way to end the day in Aachen is to relax in one of the best German spas Carolus Thermen, which is daily open from 09:00 to 23:00. The center is divided into Thermalwelt (World of Mineral Water), where there are various pools from 18 to 38 C. Here is a relaxation room, a steam bath, a large outdoor and landscaped sandy beach,  sun terrace, etc. The second part of the park is Saunawelt (the world of the sauna), here there is a Baltic sauna, an oriental sauna, a sauna with a garden and a ladies’ sauna. In total, there are 14 saunas and steam baths with different temperature and moisture levels. The complex has 3 restaurants, a shop and everything you need for complete relaxation.

Aachen is an excellent place for recreation and tourism. Since Neolithic times settlers came here, later the city was inhabited by the Celts, who worshipped the god of light and healing Granus, and after them the city became a Roman spa resort with the name Aquae Granni. Today, its healing water (which is excellent for relieving rheumatic diseases, problems with the musculoskeletal system, gynecological diseases, etc.), together with the rich historical and architectural monuments, attract tourists from all over the world offering them complete relaxation in the Royal SPA center.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT AACHEN:

Location: Aachen is the westernmost city of Germany, located next to the point where the German border meets the borders of Belgium and the Netherlands. It is located in the German region of Nordrhein-Westfalen. Etymology: The name Aachen comes from the German South-dialect word “Ach(e)” / “Aach”, which means “river” or “current”, in Old German the word “ahha” means water and corresponds to the Latin word “Aquae”. 
Area: 160.85 sq.km
Population:  243 336 people (data from 2014)
Official language: German
Altitude: 173 m
Climate: temperate continental climate with high humidity and frequent rainfall.

Trip Tips for Aachen:

Best time to visit: throughout the year, with the warmest months July and August, the coldest ones are January and February, and the rainiest are May and December.
Typical food and drink: Germany is known for its baked sausages and beer, and Aachen is no exception. Typical local dishes include asparagus, and their special dessert is Aachener Printen, a hard and spicy biscuit on which scenes or people are embossed.
Places to visit: The cathedral with its treasury, the town hall, Dreiländereck the place where the three countries cross, Carolus Thermen and others.